To me, this is the most beautiful receiver ever built and I am happy to throw the Sansui 9090 right next to it since they look nearly identical.
There are some who actually dismiss the 9090DB, because of its Dolby processing board, which was wonderful back in the 70’s for listening to Dolby FM Stereo, or playing prerecorded Dolby reel to reel tapes. Most cassette decks of this era came standard with Dolby, but by using the Dolby processing in the record loop of the 9090DB, you could actually calibrate the Dolby for each type of tape formula you were using which turns your good sounding cassette deck into a fantastic sounding cassette deck by not rolling off the high end.
Every imaginable feature you could possibly desire was on tap, backed by a preamplifier that was dead silent, a tuner that was unmatched by anything I’ve ever heard and a power amplifier that could shake your neighbors house. The fit, finish and quality of materials in the 9090DB were outstanding. The sound quality of high power receivers leaves something to de desired when it comes to listening for instrument tone, nuance, texture, liquidity, sound stage, depth, harmonics etc. They pack volume, but lack in these other areas almost all the time. Not the 9090DB. When something is this good, you can’t help missing it after you’ve made the decision to sell it. I really question myself sometimes. My wife loved the Sansui, my kids loved the Sansui, I loved the Sansui, my audio buddies were always in awe during a listening session, there is just something about the 9090DB, it has that Sansui sparkle with a fullness in sound that is difficult to replicate.
My 9090DB was serviced by Mike at Deltronics in Chicago, which came to a basic clean, lube and adjustment. When I got it back from Mike, it had all of its original caps, still making spec. Mike tested my receiver into an 8 ohm load where it put out 168wpc, (both channels driven).
The Sansui 9090DB had something that no other Sansui at the time ever possessed. A fully complementary amplifier, which means it’s just a bit ‘bigger sounding’, more depth and bottom end than the quasi complimentary 9090. I have never heard a receiver with bass that reaches into the abyss like the 9090DB. The mids are liquid and detailed. The high end is probably the strongest character of this receiver. It’s so crisp and precise that It’s thrilling to listen to. It’s sweet sounding, not harsh in any way. The sonic signature is undoubtably Sansui throughout, without compromise of any measure. One of the legendary speaker pairings of all time were the 9090DB and the JBL-100's. Pioneers HPM-100's would sing like no tomorrow when being powered by a 9090DB. EPI 350's incredibly inefficient tower was an absolute force when hooked up to a 9090DB.
The Sansui 9090DB doesn't sound anything like a tube amp? It has warmth to be sure, but it also has impact, and drive, authority would be a good word to describe the presentation. Does it sound as good as a Mac 1900, or a Pioneer SX1250, or a Marantz 2325 or a (Insert your choice here)? Better. Better than any receiver and most any separates I've every owned or heard.
Truthfully, nothing sounds like a 9090DB, nothing. The Sansui 9090 (advert above) is a very close second. This receiver (hate mail on its way), blows the doors off of any receiver McIntosh has ever made, and if you’ve been reading this blog you know I love Mac. It’s more lush sounding than the Pioneer SX 1150, or 1250, (two of my favorites) which by the way also blows the doors of any receiver McIntosh ever made, and I am not just talking volume, I am speaking about the sonic signature. The Sansui just sounds better.
My regular rotation was the Sansui 551, the 9090DB and the 4000. I could have lived with any of them. You might smile that I have the Sansui 551 and the 9090DB in the same sentence, but unless you’re looking for concert rock volume, the little 551 will surprise you. I have owned the 551 since 1977 and every time I put it into the system, I shake my head in disbelief at is outstanding sonic signature.
I can’t think of any weakness or short comings with the Sansui 9090DB. If you find one, have it properly serviced, which means servicing the Dolby board, not bypassing it. Replace caps only as needed and have the controls properly cleaned and lubed. Then enjoy it forever. It has more power than you will ever need, will deliver stunning hifi that is nearly unmatched by anything I’ve every owned and is just beautiful to look at.
The controls all are of very high quality, you can feel it when you use them, they feel luxurious. Pull the cover and look at the construction. The massive transformer, it’s nearly the size of your head! I believe that the magic Sansui works with their transformers have always been a key element in their effortless power delivery and tone.
The filter caps are tucked underneath the tuner allowing more real estate for the large driver board and output transistors.
This is a difficult unit to service and it will cost you, but the investment is well worth it. Don’t look for a quick inexpensive service tech, find one who is an expert. Nabeel at Speaker Port in Crest Hill Illinois and Mike at Deltronics in Chicago are two excellent choices.
My love for small jazz ensembles had me using my Sansui 4000 more often that my 9090DB. Had I never hear the 4000, I would still have the 9090DB. The 4000 is warmer, and sounds more like a tube amp than some tube amps I have owned and has a lush tone. I just can’t seem to part with it. Still, I wish I had never sold the 9090DB. It’s just about as perfect as one could ever hope to find in a receiver. Oh, and don’t replace the incandescent bulbs with blue LED’s, I did that. Two days later I had it back at Deltronics installing the original lamps. The dial is suppose to be teal green, with soft blue tuning meters, not electric blue. This receiver is the pinnacle of Sansui excellence and just about the finest sounding hi powered receiver you can find. It seems to do everything right. And just look at it! Wow!
More to come!